Target: Brooke Jenkins, District Attorney of San Francisco, California
Goal: Pursue all applicable charges and seek meaningful sentencing for the person who allegedly struck and dragged a dog wearing a “service” vest at an airport gate, including prohibitions on animal ownership and mandated counseling.
Witness accounts reportedly describe a traveler with a large dog in a “service animal” vest who allegedly hit the animal after it urinated on terminal carpet, then dragged it through the concourse. The same handler was purportedly seen bending down moments later and striking the dog on the head again. Airport police were notified in-flight and met the arriving aircraft, and subsequent updates indicated the dog appeared to be safe—yet the alleged assault itself demands a thorough criminal response.
Commentary circulating online has questioned the authenticity of the “service dog” designation, but whatever the vest’s legitimacy, the central concern is the alleged violence. Striking a dog and dragging it by force, particularly in a crowded terminal, apparently caused pain and fear and could have escalated into further harm. Such conduct, if proven, reflects disregard for animal welfare and for public safety.
A clear prosecutorial message is needed. Robust action—filing all appropriate counts, seeking an animal-ownership ban, restitution for veterinary evaluation, and court-ordered counseling—can deter similar incidents. This petition urges decisive steps to ensure the alleged cruelty is treated with the seriousness it warrants and that safeguards are implemented to protect animals and the public.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Jenkins,
We are calling for a full and vigorous prosecution in the reported case involving a traveler who allegedly hit a dog wearing a “service animal” vest at an airport gate, then dragged the animal through the terminal and struck it on the head again. Airport police were alerted and met the flight on arrival, and later updates suggested the dog was safe. The alleged assault itself, however, merits firm legal action.
Striking and dragging a dog in a public setting causes pain, fear, and potential injury, and it endangers bystanders who may intervene. Regardless of any debate about the vest, the reported conduct, if proven, violates the basic duty to treat animals humanely.
We respectfully urge your office to file and pursue all applicable charges, request sentencing that includes an animal-ownership prohibition, restitution for veterinary assessment, and mandated counseling or education. Such outcomes would both hold the alleged offender accountable and help prevent future harm. Please send a clear signal that cruelty toward animals—anywhere, including crowded transportation hubs—will be addressed with meaningful consequences.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Eden Aviv
